Individuals who need to complete a Background Investigation at NIH will receive an email from DPSAC with instructions on how to access and complete their electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP), and other required documents. The level of your background investigation is determined by your position. 

Accessing e-QIP

Once you have been sponsored and initiated for a background investigation, you can access the e-QIP questionnaire by visiting the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) website.

Registering with Your 14 Digit PIN Code

First time users at NIH will need to register for a Username and Password on the right hand side of the login screen. You will later be asked to provide a unique 14 digit registration PIN code that was sent to you in a separate email. If you did not receive your registration code, please contact our office immediately at (301) 402-9755 or by emailing: orseqip@mail.nih.gov. 

Assistance with e-QIP

You may find assistance and some tips under our webpage on the left, "Be Aware of the Following When Completing Your e-QIP." DCSA also offers helpful guides and instructions for completing your investigation requirements at the e-QIP login screen, which you can find on their website at the bottom of the page here. DPSAC Helpdesk specialists are also available to assist you through the e-QIP process. If you need any further​ assistance, feel free to contact our office.

Deadline for Completion

You will have seven (7) business days to complete your online e-QIP and the additional forms that were sent to you. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to complete these requirements will result in your ineligibility for access to NIH facilities. You will not be allowed to begin or continue your work without completing these requirements. Those who already have an HHS PIV badge will have their badge revoked if they fail to complete these requirements.​